play a bit part (in something)
play a bit part (in something)
1. Literally, to act out a very small, inconsequential role (in some piece of drama, film, or television). I originally started off playing a bit part in the sitcom, but over the years the character became wildly popular and really launched my career. A: "I heard you're in the latest Schwarzenegger movie, right?" B: "Yeah, I'm just playing a bit part, though."
2. By extension, to have a very small, inconsequential role (in some resultant situation, action, event, outcome, etc.). I know you feel like you only played a bit part in our victory today, but you were just as important out there as everyone else on the team. A: "I suppose those long, 12-hour days were why you quit, huh?" B: "Actually, those only played a bit part—it was mostly just because I hated my boss."
See also: bit, part, play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
play a bit part
to perform a small part in a play or a movie. She played a few bit parts in minor Broadway plays, and then got the lead in an exciting new musical.
See also: bit, part, play
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- play a bit part
- play a bit role (in something)
- play a small part (in something)
- play a small role (in something)
- small potatoes
- literally
- slap (one) on the wrist
- slap on the wrist
- slap someone on the wrist
- the straw that broke the camel's back